By Jordan Heller
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — A JetBlue flight attendant who apparently served one too many ornery passengers pulled off a stunning resignation at JFK Airport on Monday.
After getting into an argument with a passenger shortly after the plane landed, and as it was pulling up to Gate 3 at the airport's JetBlue terminal, attendant Steven Slater apparently took to the jet's PA system.
"To the f---ing ass---- that told me to f--- off, it's been a good 28 years!" Slater announced, according to the New York Post.
The 39-year-old airline veteran then apparently grabbed a beer from the galley and in ultimate I'm-outta-here fashion pulled the lever for the plane's inflatable chute and slid down to the tarmac below, the Post reported.
The incident began after Slater directed the passenger to not remove baggage from the overhead compartment, according to various news reports. The passenger then told Slater "to f--- off." The passenger then opened the compartment door, which dropped down on the flight attendant's head, the Post said.
Slater made his way to his car in the airline parking lot and drove home. Port Authority Police found the flight attendant in bed with his boyfriend when they arrived to arrest him at his beachfront home in the Rockaways, the Daily News reported.
Neighbor Curt Karkowski told the News he was still satisfied with the days events. "He left with a big smile on his face," said Karkowski.
"At this time, we are working with the FAA and the Port Authorithy of New York and New Jersey to investigate the incident," JetBlue said in a statement.
Slater was charged with criminal mischief and reckless endangerment, the New York Times reported.
Judy Rochelle, whose son Kenny lives with Slater, told the News that Slater was under stress. "Steven's mother is dying," said Rochelle. "She has lung cancer. She's had two chemos and the prognosis is not good."
"They were on their way out to California this weekend to settle her affairs." Rochelle said Slater had recently lost his dad to Lou Gehrig's disease
Slater's antics have garnered him instant Internet fame. As of Monday night, a Facebook fan page dedicated to the beleaguered flight attendant already had roughly 400 fans and counting.
"You did what all of us dream of doing," MaryJean Maglio White posted on the fan page's wall. "You rock! If I ever go out I'm 'pulling a Steve.'"
